Students of all ages and abilities are welcome in Susan's studio classes. She works with adults and children, writers, artists, and enthusiasts at all levels of experience. To receive notification when a new series of classes is posted on the website, email Susan Bonthron. She will gladly add you to her email list of interested book artists. (She does not share her list with anyone.) Click here to see an updated list of class offerings (or the date when the next schedule will be posted).

Classes are held here in the sun-filled studio at Otter Pond Bindery.

SUITABLE FOR ALL LEVELS OF EXPERIENCE

Paste Paper Class

Learn an array of techniques and create a pile of your own paste paper for future projects: journal covers, end papers, luminaria, cards and envelopes.

Spirit Books

Make a series of single-section twig bound "spirit books" with collaged covers, great for gifts and cards.

Portfolio

Tunnel Book

Create and play with a "stage set" of overlapping images (postcards/drawings/ paintings/photos) and enclose them in a box. Optional: bring your own set of images on 4" by 6" cards. Facility with razor knife helpful.

Flatback Journal

Learn to make a classic hardbound cloth-covered flat-back journal with recessed title and island paste downs. Some experience helpful.

Chitsu Bound Book

Make several Japanese side-bound books enclosed in a traditional Japanese three-fold chitsu or hardbound case. Some experience helpful.

Studio classes at the bindery provide such a special day-long extravaganza for the senses that students nicknamed it The Art Spa. You arrive with nothing in hand but your energy and desire to learn. The bindery is located on a pond and surrounded by decks, gardens, stone walls, fields and forest. You spend the morning learning a form, folding and pasting, or exploring the magic of paste paper. You are served a gourmet lunch - included in the price of each workshop - in a mid-19th century schoolhouse full of intriguing antiques and curiosities. In the afternoon you finish your work and go home with a beautiful handmade book or pile of paper as well as printed, illustrated instructions. You are filled with ideas and reawakened by the inspiring work and conversation of your fellow students - a day full of delight and discovery to renew your creative imagination.